The population of Vanuatu is 234,000, spread over 83 islands. About 85 per cent of the population are farmers. More than half of the rural population produce coconuts.

In Vanuatu, coconuts are already usually grown organically with no synthetic fertilisers because the soil is very fertile. Organic certification, however, will now mean Vanuatu’s coconut growers will have improved records of farm practices. Produce is intended for the premium-priced organic market sector.

“It’s great that organic certification can be a vehicle to improve the social capital and livelihoods of people from the rural sector,” says Australian Organic’s Greg Paynter.

World Vision Project Coordinator Mackenzie Vagaha agrees. “Organic represents a new and exciting market opportunity for Vanuatu and its farmers,” says Vagaha. “Our journey has just begun.”

The Vanuatu farmers expect to achieve full organic certification in 2015.